James E. West (politician)

James Elton "Jim" West (March 28, 1951 – July 22, 2006) was an American politician from Spokane, Washington. While mayor of Spokane in 2005, he was the target of allegations of the sexual abuse of boys twenty years earlier. These allegations became public after West became a target of a sting operation conducted by his hometown newspaper, The Spokesman-Review. Some journalists and academics criticized the paper for what they saw as a form of entrapment. West admitted engaging in homosexual behavior with adults, despite an earlier record of supporting "anti-gay" legislation. Though never charged, he was removed from office by recall in 2005. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) eventually closed its investigation and took no action for lack of evidence.

James Elton West
43rd Mayor of Spokane
In office
December 30, 2003 – December 16, 2005
Preceded byJohn Powers
Succeeded byDennis P. Hession
Majority Leader of the Washington Senate
In office
January 13, 2003 – December 23, 2003
Preceded bySid Snyder
Succeeded byBill Finkbeiner
Minority Leader of the Washington Senate
In office
January 10, 2000 – January 13, 2003
Preceded byDan McDonald
Succeeded byLisa Brown
Member of the Washington Senate
from the 6th district
In office
January 12, 1987 – December 23, 2003
Preceded bySam C. Guess
Succeeded byBrian Murray
Member of the Washington House of Representatives
from the 6th district
In office
January 10, 1983 – January 12, 1987
Preceded byMichael R. McGinnis
Succeeded byDuane Sommers
Personal details
Born
James Elton West

(1951-03-28)March 28, 1951
Salem, Oregon, U.S.
DiedJuly 22, 2006(2006-07-22) (aged 55)
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseGinger Marshall (1990–1995)
ProfessionPolitician – Small Business Owner
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1971–1974
Unit82nd Airborne Division
Battles/warsCold War
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